Odisha's Archana Soreng Now A Member Of UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

Bhubaneswar: Adding another feather to her cap, Archana Soreng, a tribal woman hailing from Sundergarh district of Odisha, is amongst the seven new members of the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change as a part of the UN Youth Strategy.

As announced by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, the list of entrants in the Youth Advisory Group includes Archana Soreng (India), Nisreen Elsaim (Sudan), Ernest Gibson (Fiji), Vlaidslav Kaim (Moldova), Sophia Kianni (United States), Nathan Metenier (France) and Paloma Costa (Brazil).

All these seven young climate leaders who are in the 18-28 years age group will advise him regularly on accelerating global action and ambition to tackle the worsening climate crisis.

“We are in a climate emergency. We do not have the luxury of time. We need urgent action now - to recover better from COVID-19, to confront injustice and inequality and address climate disruption, " the Secretary-General said.

“We have seen young people on the front lines of climate action, showing us what bold leadership looks like. That is why I am launching my Youth Advisory Group on climate change to provide perspectives, ideas and solutions that will help us scale up climate action,” he added.

Elated after the announcement, Soreng, who is currently working as a Research Officer in Vasundhara Odisha, said, "Our ancestors have been protecting the forest and nature over the ages through their traditional knowledge and practices. Now it is on us to be the front runners in combating climate crisis. I am grateful to the UN Secretary-General, UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth and Deputy Secretary-General of the UN for giving me this opportunity."

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik congratulated Soreng for her achievement.

Congratulate Odisha's @SorengArchana on being chosen in UN Secretary-General’s youth advisory group on climate change. Glad to see our young leaders taking lead roles in combating climate crisis. Wish her best.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 29, 2020

"Happy to see India's youth take up significant roles in scaling-up action against climate change-related risks. I wish her a bright future ahead," tweeted Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Extending wishes to Soreng, former Parliamentarian and BJP national VP Jay Panda said, "It's a matter of great pride for Odisha & India. Proud of you. Best wishes for your future endeavours."

This Representation in the UN Secretary General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change will be an important landmark for Odisha and Adivasi and Forest Dwelling Communities of India who have been protecting the nature with the traditional conservation knowledge and practices, stated executive director of Vasundhara, congratulating her for the new journey and responsibilities.

Soreng is actively involved with the Indigenous Youth Groups to preserve, document and promote the traditional knowledge and practices of their communities.

Last year in October, she had participated in the 66th Session of CESCR: “A Day of General Discussion on Land and ICESCR” at the UN headquarters in Geneva, as an Indigenous Youth Representative from India.

She also happens to be a member of YOUNGO (Youth Constituency of UNFCCC); has participated in first ‘Global Youth Caucus on Desertification and Land’ and was also a part of Youth Dialogue with Inger Andersen & Ibrahim Thiaw.

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